Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Madisonville
Nothing derails a cozy Madisonville evening faster than discovering a flooded utility room or an ice-cold shower. When your tank water heater suddenly springs a leak, stops heating, or trips the breaker in the middle of the night, HEP’s emergency assistance team is already rolling. Our fully stocked service vans and licensed, background-checked plumbers arrive fast—often in less time than it takes to heat a kettle—ready to diagnose the problem and put your household back on track.
Whether the fix calls for a small component swap, a thorough flush, or a full-scale replacement, we handle every step with transparent pricing and rock-solid warranties. From relighting pilots to hauling away old units, you can count on HEP for courteous cleanup, energy-efficient upgrade options, and 24/7 live phone support. Don’t let a failing tank water heater soak your plans—call the local pros Madisonville trusts for prompt, professional relief, any hour of any day.
FAQs
What qualifies as a tank water heater emergency, and how quickly can you reach my Madisonville home?
Any situation that threatens safety, property, or your ability to access hot water is considered an emergency—examples include a ruptured tank, water pouring from the T&P valve, a rotten-egg gas smell, tripped breakers that won’t reset, scalding-hot water, or no hot water in winter. Because we keep an on-call technician in Madisonville 24/7, average arrival time is 45–60 minutes within city limits and 60–90 minutes in surrounding rural areas, weather permitting.
Are your plumbers licensed to work on all types of tank water heaters?
Yes. Our technicians hold current Kentucky master or journeyman plumbing licenses and are factory-trained to diagnose and repair gas, electric, propane, and hybrid (heat-pump) storage-tank models. We also maintain certification for combustion-safety testing, so we can safely relight pilots, replace gas valves, and verify that flue gases are venting properly.
What should I do until the emergency plumber arrives?
1) Shut off power: For electric units, flip the dedicated breaker off. For gas heaters, turn the gas control knob to “OFF.” 2) Stop the water: Locate the cold-water shut-off valve above the tank and turn it clockwise. 3) Drain or contain leaks: If water is gushing, attach a garden hose to the drain valve and direct it to a floor drain or outside. Place towels or buckets to catch drips. 4) Ventilate: If you smell gas, open windows and avoid using electrical switches or open flames. Evacuate if the odor is strong. 5) Gather information: Note any error codes, pilot-light behavior, or recent changes; this speeds up diagnosis when we arrive.
Can a leaking tank water heater be repaired, or will it have to be replaced?
A repair is possible when leaks originate from external components—relief valve, drain valve, inlet/outlet nipples, anode-rod port, or piping connections. We carry replacements for these parts on our service trucks. However, if water is seeping from the tank’s welded seams, the internal glass liner has failed and replacement is the only safe option. Our technician will inspect, show you the source, and give you a firm quote before any work begins.
Do you keep common replacement parts and new heaters in stock for same-day service?
Yes. Our trucks are stocked with universal gas valves, thermostats, heating elements, anode rods, T&P valves, flex connectors, and expansion tanks that fit 80% of residential units. We also maintain an inventory of the most requested 40-, 50-, and 75-gallon Rheem and Bradford White heaters at our Madisonville warehouse. If your model is unusual, we can usually source it from Louisville overnight, so even non-standard replacements rarely exceed 24 hours.
How much does emergency tank water heater service cost, and will insurance cover it?
We provide flat-rate pricing: $89 for an after-hours diagnostic (waived if you approve the repair), typical repairs range $150–$450, and complete replacement (including haul-away and permit) starts at $1,250 for a 40-gallon gas model. You see and approve the total before we start. Homeowners insurance generally covers water damage caused by a sudden rupture but not the cost of repairing or replacing the heater itself; however, many policies reimburse if the failure was due to a covered peril such as a power surge. We can supply detailed invoices and photographs for your claim.